A Field Guide To Geophysics In Archaeology

Geophysics operations in archaeology have become well known through exposure on television. However, the technique is presented as the action of specialists and something of a mystery, where people walk about with strange contraptions, and results appear from a computer. This is not the case, however. Some scientific knowledge is needed in order to understand how the machines work and what they detect but otherwise it is only necessary to know how to handle the instruments, how to survey a field and how to interpret the computer results. This book provides all the relevant information. It explains geophysics operations in archaeology, describes the science that gives the soil properties to measure and the means by which the instruments make their measurements. Dr John Oswin is in charge of the geophysics operation of the Bath and Camerton Archaeological Society and his work has recently been the subject of a television programme. He has taught many students how to use geophysical equipment.

Anyone who has tried to archive archaeological geophysics data will have wondered what might be the most comprehensive and practical approach. This question is addressed by this Guide’s extensively revised 2nd edition, which systematically explores what should be included in an Archive, illustrated with relevant examples. A conceptual framework is developed that allows assembling data and meta-data so that they can be deposited with an Archiving Body. This framework is also mapped onto typical database structures, including OASIS and the English Heritage Geophysics Database. Examples show step-by step how an Archive can be compiled for deposition so that readers will be able to enhance their own archiving practice. Geophysical data are sometimes the only remaining record of buried archaeological features when these are destroyed during commercial developments (e.g. road schemes). To preserve them in an Archive can therefore be essential. However, it is important that data are made available in formats that can still be read in years to come, accompanied by documentation that gives meaningful archaeological context. This Guide covers the creation of the necessary metadata and data documentation. There is no point preserving data if they cannot be used again; therefore this Guide is essential for anyone using geophysical data.

Geophysics influences a wide range of subjects, from environmental studies to archaeology, palaeontology to counter-terrorism and law enforcement. 'Handbook of Geophysics and Archaeology' offers a comprehensive overview of geophysical techniques. The handbook focuses on applications and issues in archaeology but also provides a broad overview of the basics of geophysics. The Handbook examines a wide range of techniques: techniques associated with gravity, magnetometry, waves, electromagnetic induction, ground penetrating radar, geotomography, and electrical resistivity tomography. Each technique is explored in depth, with detailed case studies illustrating both technical applications and interpretations of data. The Handbook highlights the diverse range of geophysical methods required in the study of the Earth's subsurface.

Examples of geophysical surveys and the organization of archaeology in England. January 2021 update.

When a historic battlefield site is discovered and studied, the focus is often on the “hardware”: remnants of weaponry, ammunition, supplies, and equipment that archaeologists carefully unearth, analyze, conserve, and frequently place on display in museums. But what about the “software”? What can archaeology teach us about the humans involved in the conflict: their social mores and cultural assumptions; their use and understanding of power? In The Archaeology of Engagement: Conflict and Revolution in the United States, Dana L. Pertermann and Holly K. Norton have assembled a collection of studies that includes sites of conflicts between groups of widely divergent cultures, such as Robert E. Lee's mid-1850s campaign along the Concho River and the battles of the River Raisin during the War of 1812. Notably, the second half of the book applies the editors’ principles of conflict event theory to the San Jacinto Battlefield in Texas, forming a case study of one of America's most storied—and heavily trafficked—battle sites.

Geophysics influences a wide range of subjects, from environmental studies to archaeology, palaeontology to counter-terrorism and law enforcement. 'Handbook of Geophysics and Archaeology' offers a comprehensive overview of geophysical techniques. The handbook focuses on applications and issues in archaeology but also provides a broad overview of the basics of geophysics. The Handbook examines a wide range of techniques: techniques associated with gravity, magnetometry, waves, electromagnetic induction, ground penetrating radar, geotomography, and electrical resistivity tomography. Each technique is explored in depth, with detailed case studies illustrating both technical applications and interpretations of data. The Handbook highlights the diverse range of geophysical methods required in the study of the Earth's subsurface.

An updated and revised version of the earlier book. They suggest that archaeology in England is better at destroying remains than in perserving them.

The 2023 version of the book about archaeological geophysics, which includes insights into the archaeological organisation and governance of the UK. It now questions whether most development which generates archaeological work is driven by immigration.